U.S. President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia to develop civilian uranium enrichment capabilities, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Trump administration officials.
The unnamed officials described the proposed 30-year agreement as worth tens of billions of dollars, with U.S. Companies taking a central role in building out Riyadh's civilian nuclear infrastructure.
The agreement could be announced as soon as Wednesday and is expected to be submitted to Congress for review shortly after, according to people familiar with the matter.
Under the reported terms, uranium enrichment in the kingdom would only proceed if a joint U.S.-Saudi study determines it is justified.
The agreement is not expected to include the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol, which grants expanded inspection and verification authority, one source told the Associated Press.
Saudi Arabia has long sought American support for a civilian nuclear program to reduce reliance on oil exports.
The proposal is anticipated to draw Congressional scrutiny over concerns that permitting uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia could accelerate nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.